~ 20 ~

Acastus watches from the tree line as the group maneuvers around and within the ruins of the old temple. They all dress alike; a uniform not seen among travelers to this world, but that is not a problem…he knows who to look for. He was surprised to see them return in such numbers considering he and his men had found nothing of interest among the debris once the post was abandoned the other night.

Two nights ago, he'd followed the young woman from the spirit house and watched from a discreet distance within the trees. He saw enough to convince him there was something worthwhile about the ruins to draw such attention. After they left through the Ancient ring, Acastus returned to the temple with his deputies and they searched, finding nothing of interest aside from the useless console. Disappointed, he figured the small group had taken their findings and left for good.

Until they arrived en masse early this morning.

"Commander?" He lowers the long range glasses and clicks his communication device. "Go ahead, Lucia."

"A traveler has come through the Ancient ring. I believe it is the female from before."

Really. Acastus was under the impression she was not a willing participant in the excavation. He wonders why she would return. "Is she alone?"

"Yes, Commander."

Without further word, Acastus leaves his post and rushes through the woods toward the Ancient ring. The woman intrigues him, as well as his men. They've never seen a female drink as they do without losing her stomach in the process. No woman in town goes into the spirit house for refreshment.

He knew from her attire she was a traveler, though her dress was not previously seen worn by traders. And interestingly, she does not match the others in her group. Something's different about this woman…he could tell from her eyes and the way she carries herself, always aware of her surroundings. Unlike most females he has met. Though, at the same time, something about her gnaws at him. Something familiar.

Something impossible, of course. Still, that feeling drew him to follow her into the night, watching in amused silence as the drink made its way through her blood and she became intoxicated, dancing and falling in the field, laughing. Then she attacked the man who refused to let her go home. The man he would just as soon kill…and still might.

The ruins have been abandoned for so long most of the town's people don't remember they exist. Not being a native of this world, however, Acastus made a point of surveying the land for various reasons before choosing to settle here on a permanent basis with his small troop of men. The town's people are hard working and keep to themselves, don't ask questions and easily accepted his authority once an off-world trader became violent. Acastus ended that dispute easily and with the thanks of the vendor. He and his men have been welcome ever since.

Mostly they keep to themselves just outside of town, within the woods where they are safe from potential enemies who might find it necessary to follow them here and make trouble. Acastus does not tolerate trouble-makers.

He hits the field of the Ancient ring and sees the woman begrudgingly making her way in the direction of the temple. She's dressed as before, unlike those in the ruins, though her clothing is dark as night and her eyes are covered by something equally dark. She's carrying a wooden basket by a handle and looking up at the sky. Acastus moves further through the trees so that when he approaches her, she will not ascertain the direction he originated from. She's walking slowly and he's moving with precision and speed which gives him the advantage.

Minutes later, he comes out of the trees and waves to the woman. "Good day, ma'am," he says, offering a sincere grin of greeting. She stops and turns toward his voice, placing a hand above her covered eyes. Hesitantly, she waves back but does not make an effort in his direction. She's wary, this one, which is part of what intrigues him about her. She truly reminds him…

…of the impossible!

Acastus takes long strides and hurries toward the woman so she does not continue on her journey immediately. She may be wary, but he does get the impression she doesn't mind the interruption in her walk. "How are you this day?" he asks as he approaches.

"I'm well," she says, finally dropping her hand, but not removing the cover from her eyes. Her voice strikes him. So similar.

He stops an amenable distance from her, offering his hand in greeting. "Commander… Acastus… I am the authority in Huskins."

Her head tilts to the side and then she smiles…very alluring. "Oh. The Sheriff…" she says. He doesn't know what that means until she adds: "You protect everyone…keep the peace."

Acastus smiles and nods in agreement. "Yes." She takes his hand then and her grip is firm, formidable. He's duly impressed. "I do not mean to intrude on you. I simply saw you come through the Ancient ring…"

She glances back over her shoulder. "Right." Then she looks at him. This time, she lifts the eye covers onto the top of her head, pulling back dark curls from her face. She is the exact image he has carried in his mind for many years. "I saw you…in the saloon," she says. "You were with those three men who were laughing at me."

"I assure you. They were not laughing when you left. We were…astounded by the feat."

Her smile wavers and her brows rise. "Don't women drink that stuff?"

"Not that I have seen."

With a shake of her head, she starts walking again. "Yeah, well. I've been known to be a bit…off from the norm." As he joins her on the walk, she switches the basket to her other hand, keeping it between the two of them. "So, is there anything I can do for you, Commander?"

"I was wondering…could you tell me what is happening at the old temple? I've had some queries raised in town…"

She stops walking again and looks at him with dark eyes. It seems as if she's delving into his mind and try as he might, he cannot do the same. After a moment she smiles again, but there is something different about it. The wariness is evident. She does not feel safe with him…which he can understand easily enough. He does not have the most handsome face and he seems to be nearly twice her age. And then there's the part that he's not being completely honest with her as well. Yes, she is a singular female, this one.

She tilts her head again, watching him. "My husband and I are historians," she says finally.

"From what world?"

"I-zoola." She lifts a shoulder in some form of gesture he doesn't recognize. "We only recently uncovered our Ancient ring after many years of searching. This is our second destination. When we arrived, we actually found ourselves wondering in the woods for many hours until we came upon the ruins. My husband believes they are similar to those back home where we discovered the ring."

He spreads his hands. "We have met many travelers who believe this. I have never heard of I-zoola, is it comparable to our world?"

She smiles and the skin around her eyes wrinkles. "Much different. Colder. And no direct sunlight. But very beautiful. I truly love it there." He can tell by the way she speaks more than what she says that her words are truthful.

"Perhaps we could trade with your people. Girsh spoke highly of your trade skills, though more so of the food you brought. What is it named?"

"Oh…chocolate. Unfortunately it is a delicacy we found on the first planet we went to. And our supply is…pretty much gone." She shakes her head. "Had I been at the negotiations, I would have done a far better job than our leaders."

He nods. "I would not disagree."

She motions with the basket. "I should continue to the temple. My husband gets fussy if I don't feed him on time." After a moment of consideration, she adds: "If you are concerned about our research, you should join me on the trip. You could speak with our team."

Acastus shakes his head. "I don't believe that is required. I am grateful for your offer, shows that my efforts at peacekeeping are not necessary."

"All right then." She covers her eyes, smiles politely then starts to walk.

He's about to let her go without further thought, but the feeling of familiarity strikes from deep in his gut and he feels compelled to ask. "How long have you been on I-zoola?"

She turns to face him. "Since birth…why do you ask?"

Acastus looks at the ground, toes a loose stone. "And your kin…are they from I-zoola as well?"

"Of course. We did just discover our portal." She takes a step closer to him. That he cannot see her eyes, now, makes him wary. "Is something wrong?"

"Not at…does the name Mylea mean anything to you?"

"Mylea?" She shakes her head then tilts it. "I'm sorry, but no. Someone you knew?"

"Long ago." Though he tries to hide it, Acastus can hear the sadness in his answer. "I apologize. You…"

"I remind you of her." He pokes at the loose stone, watching her from under his brows. She nods slowly, understanding. "I get that a lot…just one of those faces, I guess." She smiles softly, comforting. "You were close, I take it?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry for your loss." He believes she is. He knew it was impossible. The Wraith do not take only to let go. Mylea is long dead and he's known this forever. But when he saw this woman… She offers another soft smile. "It's a beautiful name. She must have been very special."

"Yes." It has been so long since he thought about that. "It means born of the sky."

"Born of the sky," she repeats then looks up. She uncovers her eyes for the second time as she stares at the midday glow above. "A gift from heaven," she says almost to herself, again that soft familiar smile tugs at her mouth. Then her eyes catch his and there's a glimmer in them. She smiles wider, this time with an amount of wonder. "That's really odd."

"Odd?"

"My name, Angela, means a gift from heaven." She smiles warmly, her guard falling and she suddenly places a hand on his arm. "Our names have similar meanings." Then just as quickly, her hand drops from him and she takes a slight step back. "I'm sorry. It just struck me as an interesting coincidence. That I remind you of her…and our names…"

"Yes…" Acastus nods realizing what she is saying. "That is a wonder." He has never believed in Ancient intervention, but perhaps all these years he has been misguided. Why else would he have stumbled upon this woman now and not on the previous occasion? This woman who clearly is meant to remind him of his lost love.

If he was a weak man, he would eagerly wrap his arms around this stranger, call out her true name and beg for the forgiveness he does not deserve and shall never receive. She, of course, would immediately take offense and rightfully extricate herself from his presence. Acastus is not a weak man but a Commander. And she is a stranger to him. There is no Ancient intervention, simply…wishful dreaming. Probably feeling the weight of his gaze she edges toward the temple. "I'm sorry again. But I really do have to go."

Acastus offers his hand in the parting. "It was a pleasure to speak with you Angela."

"Same here…Acastus."

And then she's rushing toward the tree line with her basket. As soon as she's out of earshot, Acastus clicks his communication device. "Let her pass. Remain in silent watch on the ruins."

"Yes Commander."

~ 20.5 ~

"Jax!" Dr. Morgan calls making everyone look up.

"Hey, Kat. How they hangin'?"

"Defying gravity, Bless the Queen."

Rodney looks up as soon as she arrives. "What took so long?"

"Oh you know, had to stop for gas, get air in the tires, check out the local prostitutes…pick up snacks." She lifts the basket on the last remark.

"Where's your stuff?"

Jax pulls a sandwich from the basket and as she takes a bite she grins coolly at him. "Exactly where Dr. Beckett requires my butt to be in sixteen hours. In my quarters."

"What?"

"Face it, McKay. You're not the top dog. Beckett out ranks you by like…a billion rungs." He can hear sniggers behind him.

Rodney waves a hand. "Fine. Well, at least you won't be distracting everyone with that annoying typing." Her face falls as she seems to realize she didn't bring her laptop. For a moment Rodney actually feels sorry for her. He'd be lost without his computer. Of course his laptop has important information on it whereas hers…just a diary. And a lot of solitaire games as it turns out. He flicks his hand again. "Just…go downstairs and start lighting things up. And take the cackle group with you."

"C'mon everyone. Operation Christmas tree is here." Taking her sandwich, Jax grudgingly drops down the steps, leading the pack. Rodney waits as Dr. Lee finishes removing the naquedah generator from the console. She hands it to him and he carries it—very carefully—downstairs.

"But that's why you're here!"

She's standing nose to nose with Rodney, her hands on her hips, eyes full of defiance. "Not until they're all translated. I heard about that whole personal shield incident from Dr. Beckett. Not gonna happen. Plus there are things in that case you've never seen. Can't possibly know what they do just from a single tag. So, I suggest…you do your homework, doctor."

"You turned on the computer."

"It's a database, McKay. Not likely to cause side-effects…unless you keep on me, then it could very well result in—I don't know—your death maybe."

"Very funny." She's not laughing and raises that brow of hers. He doesn't like that brow or the look that goes with it. It twists his stomach into knots. "Fine."

"Fine."

He turns to his team. "Pack everything up…take 'em home."

Dr. Lee looks confused. "Not the consoles."

"Of course not. Only the removable items. Try to find some information on them from Atlantis' database." He looks back at Jax. "We'll be taking care of this database."

Half her mouth twitches into a smirk. "You will. I'll watch."

"Where are you going?" Rodney asks as Jax heads for the exit.

She points to the departing scientists. "I'm gonna walk back to the gate with them. I need to get out of here for a while. Actually…I need to get away from you for a while."

Rodney mocks a laugh. "But if you leave, I have to stop working."

Her brows crease. "Pity that." She heads out and the lights turn off. Rodney follows grudgingly. On the way up the steps, Jax starts talking again. "Have a snack, man. I'll be gone less than twenty minutes. I'll even jog on the way back, how's that?"

"As if I can really trust you—"

She raises her right hand. "I promise. I need to burn off some excess energy. It tends to build up and make me jittery if I don't unleash it. And just so you don't forget—" She turns on him, hands planted on her hips again. "It's all your fault."

"You know, not everything bad that happens to you can be traced back to me."

"If it's related to that damn lust-o-rama device it sure as hell can. And I'm gonna make sure you get at least a reminder a day for the rest of your sorry little life."

Rodney narrows his eyes and lifts his chin. "Doesn't that mean you have to thank me as well?"

"For what?"

"Oh, I don't know, perhaps a bit of attention from a particular Colonel?" Her hands drop into tight fists at her sides and she sucks in a deep breath, two signs that should have been enough for Rodney to back off. "I'm guessing you dealt with some issues while away."

Jax stares at him for a long time and though the other two things didn't register in his brain until now, he can't mistake the look in her eyes as a definite signal that she's ready to do him some harm. She takes another breath and he can see the tension in her body as she shudders. Then the intensity vanishes, her eyes cool considerably and her hands open and she stretches her fingers. For a second, she reminds him of his cat as it would unfurl his claws on occasion, though his cat never gave him a look intending to turn him into stone. Getting away from her with a side step, Rodney goes to the basket and lifts the lid. "What's good in here?"

As she's heading out, Jax snarls. "Try the lemon chicken."

Rodney sifts through the basket, finding another power bar. He loves these things. Just as he's about to rip it open he hears: "Don't touch that!" and he jumps, dropping the bar back into the basket. He turns, seeing Jax laughing at him from the entrance. "Couldn't resist." Rodney mocks her laughter then retrieves the bar and tears into it. "Get any work done while I was gone?"

He nods, motioning to his laptop. "Actually, I was—"

Jax holds up a hand. "Not interested in the details, McKay. I was just being polite. Yes or no will suffice." Something sparks her interest and she looks outside then goes to the other openings and checks.

"What are you doing?"

"Where're Elliot and Fisk?"

"Who?"

"You don't know the names of the soldiers covering your ass?"

"Oh." He looks around too. "They went with you to the gate." Rodney flashes a smirk. "Thought you had a photographic memory."

She sneers at him. "You're hilarious. They left before me. I was busy talking with Kat so they headed back." Her eyes narrow. "And I didn't see them on the way back." She's got her hands on her hips, twisting this way and that. "My whiskers are twitching."

"What?"

"Something's wrong."

Rodney shakes his head. "Maybe they had to make a pit stop. It does happen. You've had several."

"I drink a lot of water," she says defensively. "No. Something's up. I've had this…feeling all day." Rodney finishes his power bar. She's still looking around. "Ever since I met the Sheriff."

"The who?"

Jax sighs heavily and tells him about her greeting from Sheriff Acastus and about all his questions. There's something familiar about that name but he can't quite place it. "What questions did he ask?"

"You know, where I came from, what I'm doing here, stuff like that."

"What'd you tell him?"

She huffs as if that's the stupidest question she's ever heard. "I lied."

The memory kicks in as the power bar hits his bloodstream. "Wait a minute. What did you say his name was?"

"He said Acastus. Why?"

"What did he look like?"

She shrugs. "Fifties maybe. Dark hair, eyes, gravelly voice."

"Scars?"

Her eyes narrow on his. "His face is a bit weathered…scarred."

Oh no! McKay taps his headset, calling out to the soldiers, but doesn't get an answer. He closes his laptop and shoves it under his arm. "We have to get out of here." His heart's hammering and he's afraid he'll black out from fear. She doesn't question him. He knows he must look scared, which would be an understatement considering how terrified he actually is, but Jax seems to pick up on it instantly. Her eyes widen and she suddenly very alert. She rushes toward the console. "What are you doing?" Rodney asks heading for the nearest exit.

"Hiding the tunnel." Her hand goes for the blue button but doesn't reach it before one of the soldiers is thrown through the opening next to the panel. Rodney jumps back, but Jax seems unfazed. She instantly checks the man. "Fisk?" Her eyes seek out McKay's and he knows the soldier's dead.

"We have to get out of here now," Rodney whispers.

"But we're here to get reacquainted, Dr. McKay."

Jax stands up and looks from Rodney to the man who just spoke. "Kolya," Rodney spits and Jax does a double-take.

"Kolya?" She echoes, her eyes widening. "The Genii?" She looks to the other man.

"Not anymore. But I will be again…thanks to the presence of Dr. McKay here."

Jax sighs and scrubs her hands over her face. "For crying out loud." She stares hard at the man. "And for some crazy ass reason, I got the impression you were a man of honor." Kolya seems struck by that, but for all Rodney knows the guy could be suffering from a painful bout of gas. Jax cocks her head, looking to Rodney, as if the information is completely beyond her comprehension. "The Genii…really?"

"Yes," Rodney hisses through clenched teeth.

She groans; shaking her head, she looks up as if talking to a higher power. "So much for not being a jinx."

Kolya seems slightly amused. "What is this word?"

"Jinx…someone who brings bad luck to others, causes problems..." Rodney offers, but quickly lets the thoughts subside when he catches all color fading from Jax's face.

I'm a dead man.

Kolya motions for Rodney to come stand beside Jax. Considering the man to Kolya's right has a 9mm hand gun and the man guarding the entrance at the other end of the temple is holding a P-90, Rodney does as instructed. Kolya then grabs Rodney's headset, drops it to the ground and stomps on it. He notices that Kolya isn't holding a gun, but that doesn't mean he isn't hiding one. The other two obviously took the weapons from the dead soldier…what about…Elliot? Maybe he's still alive. He could be getting ready to save them right now.

No, Jax is a jinx which means I'm a dead man.

Kolya's spending a lot of time visually appraising Jax. It's disturbing the way he keeps staring at the poor woman. Probably the pheromones. Rodney stands to her right, their backs to the console. As long as she doesn't touch it, they should be all right. And as long as Kolya doesn't notice the tunnel, everything should be fine too.

I'm such a dead man. He sighs as he leans towards his jinx. "Why didn't you say something sooner?"

Her head turns sharply to him. "How was I supposed to know, I've never seen the man before. Besides, he was nice to me."

Rodney rolls his eyes. "Oh, he was nice to you? That's how you decide whether or not to tell me if we've been discovered?"

"Why are you making this my fault? You never said this was a secret. And you're the one who sent me into town in the first place."

"Not to get drunk and draw attention to yourself. What is it with you?"

"Oh? Excuse me, Dr. McSnarky…that neon sign in my brain that tells the future inconveniently blinked out."

"Just in time to get us captured by Genii spies."

"What do I know of spies you simpering old man!"

"I'm not old!"

"I didn't even want to be here! I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you and your ginormous ego."

"Don't start with that-—"

"Enough!" Kolya orders. He turns to his gunman. "Wedded." And the gunman nods in understanding.

"What! We're not married, she's just a civilian." Rodney says quickly then instantly regrets it as Jax's eyes dart over to his, shooting arrows of death.

Kolya's brows rise. He cocks his head, considering Jax. "You lie very well, Angela."

Angela…? Rodney's about to pose another question but thinks better of it since he obviously just blew the last lie.

She grimaces, still glowering at Rodney. "Thanks."

Kolya steps closer to her, his dark eyes full of rage. "I don't enjoy being lied to."

Jax shrugs. "And I don't like guns pointed at me…so who're you to complain."

Rodney's shocked by how calm she sounds. Doesn't she know this man is a murderer? That he plans on killing them in a minute or less? Why is she goading him? Then he remembers. That's what she does. She's planning on being a pain in the ass until the moment she gets us both shot.

God, Sheppard's gonna kill me. Wait. "You might as well just let her go. She's only here to bring us lunch…" he points at the food basket. "She's of no use to you." Okay I just saved her ass, why is she glaring at me again?

Kolya eyes Jax a bit too pointedly for Rodney's liking. "I was disappointed to see you remain behind, my dear. I had hoped this retrieval would be a surgical strike." Kolya steps back and Rodney realizes why Jax gave him a look that should kill. "You're correct, doctor, she is of no use." He motions to the man on his right…the one directly in front of Jax. "Make it a clean shot. I don't want her to suffer."

Jax exhales, folds her arms and glares at Kolya, but talks to Rodney. "See…nice." Rodney doesn't know her all that well, but he does know when she's pissed. And she's very pissed. "So much for keeping the peace, eh Commander."

"Wait!" McKay steps forward. But Kolya pushes him back with a solid shove to the chest. "Not this time, doctor. You said it yourself…she's of no use."

Jax stares at Kolya. "I'll be sure to look up Mylea." Then she smiles harshly. "I'm so going to kick her ass for all eternity."

Mylea? Angela? Who the hell are they talking about?

Kolya places a hand on the gunman's arm, halting him. He takes up the man's spot in front of Jax, looking down on her, hard eyes locking. "You're not afraid." Rodney would swear the man's impressed.

"Of death?" She chuckles coldly, dropping her arms. "I've been dead before. It's not so bad."

Rodney looks over at Jax. "When did you die?"

Kolya steps to the left of his man, motioning as he does. The assassin returns to his spot in front of Jax, maybe two feet from her. "Right now, doctor," Kolya says as if answering Rodney's question. The gunman levels his aim—

And all hell breaks loose!

With lightning speed, Jax crosses her arms in an X-shape and shoves upward on the gunman's arm, pushing the weapon up and away. He fires on reflex and the bullet bounces off stones overhead. Not a second later, her left leg shoots out and catches Kolya in the chest with a solid thump and he goes back hard, slamming into the stone wall and dropping limply onto a pile of rubble. Then she twists her arms and body, doubling the gunman over then ramming a knee into his stomach. Her right leg swings behind him, sweeping him off-balance and he collapses backward onto the ground. Rodney hears a crack and knows the man's wrist is broken when the guy screams and the gun easily comes out of his hand.

An instant later, Jax reaches behind her back, pulling out something that flies through the air with an audible zip, hitting the second gunman in the throat as he hustles from the door—feebly trying to work the P-90—he falls back clutching his wound, gurgling. Jax smacks the first gunman in the face with the butt of his gun and he's out.

All in under a minute.

She shoves the 9mil at Rodney then quickly jumps over the rubble and yanks the P-90 and the knife from the dead man at the door. The knife disappears behind her back as she leaps over the rubble and is back at Rodney's side giving him a shove. "McKay…run!"

Rodney looks over the damage. How! Where! He stares at her in awe. "Who the hell are you? Xena?"

She shoves him toward the nearest hole in a wall. "Move!"

As he climbs through, still clutching his laptop, Rodney catches sight of Jax leaning over the console…it lights up instantly and she slams her hand over the blue button, holding it down for a long count. The ruins start shaking violently and stones fall even as she dives through the opening, tumbles and gets to her feet with ease. She grasps Rodney's arm and propels him into the dense forest.

They rush through the trees toward the gate. Rodney's holding Jax back but can't scramble any faster. And even though it's obvious she could ditch him, she doesn't. In the distance he sees what looks like a body lying on the ground. Jax makes it to the soldier, checks for life then starts running again before Rodney is even halfway there.

By the time he breaks the tree line, she's nearing to the DHD, but he's still running. He knows it's the adrenaline pumping through him but he's also afraid it'll fail him before he makes it to the gate. Kolya obviously wasn't interested in killing him…he was going to use him to get back in good with the Genii. Jax just saved him from a life of torture. Forcing his legs to move faster, Rodney's determined not to let her efforts be for nothing. He's going to make it. He has to.

Who the hell is this woman!

She's at the DHD, dialing Atlantis. As soon as the wormhole establishes, she yells: "Enter your code."

Damn! His GDO's in his pocket. Stuffing the gun into his waistband, Rodney clutches his laptop under his arm, grabs the GDO from his pocket and punches in the code as he reaches Jax's side. She shoves something cool into his hand and pushes him toward the gate. "Go." Then she turns to make sure no one is following.

Rodney reaches the top of the steps and turns back. "Jax come on!"

She races over and he's grabbed from the side, a thick arm wraps around his throat and he can feel a gun shoved against his head as his airway gets cut off. Jax stops abruptly then climbs the steps almost casually, staring down the gunman. "Kolya wants him alive," she says coolly.

The man twists so that he's standing behind and to the left of Rodney, the thick arm still threatening his air supply; dark spot plague Rodney's vision. Don't pass out, McKay…don't pass out!

The thug turns the gun on Jax. "But you I can kill."

Jax stops about a yard away. "Hey McKay," she grins. "Ever seen a Rockette?"

For some reason the instant she asks that, Rodney quickly maneuvers his laptop to his chest and tightens it under both arms. Before he can say a word, Jax's right leg flashes upward, snapping the gunman's head back and sending him right into the wormhole, unfortunately, he's got that choke hold on Rodney and he gets pulled in at the same time.

But not before he hears the gun go off and sees Jax fly backward off the top step of the altar!

The next thing Rodney knows is the pain screaming through his body. He hit the floor hard and he felt something pop. His vision's blurry with instant tears but he can see the shadows of the Atlantis guards surrounding him and his unwelcome companion. The arm around his throat is gone, but that's the least of his problems.

Sheppard grabs hold of his face and he can see desperation in the man's eyes. "Where's Jax?"

Rodney can't think. He can't process what happened. He points to the man lying next to him. "He shot her… she's dead."

And then everything goes black.